[1969] Ellis re-post

[david robertson]

Sorry, accidentally sent that last message before it was finished...
This past Tuesday, November 10th, was the one year anniversary of Mark Ellis' passing.  I'm embarassed to admit I had forgotten the exact date, maybe it was because the funeral was delayed because of the autopsy.  Our local chapter meeting was that night and I can't believe I didn't realize it was the anniversary.  I was late getting there, so I don't know if anyone else mentioned it before I arrived.  I do know it was a miserable week.  Rain started falling about 5 PM Tuesday and didn't stop completely until Saturday morning.  
Only my Mother's passing back in '91hit me harder than did Mark's.  The past year has been awful.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and wonder why this had to happen and could I have done something to stop it. 
We never received a definite answer as to what happened to him.  Even the autopsy wasn't much help.  The doctors' best guess was that the Guileen-Barre Syndrome (which leaves no physical evidence it was there) paralyzed him and then he had a series of brain bleeds that left him brain dead.    
His widow, Eve, has had a really tough year, emotionally and financially.  Mark had no life insurance and Eve had no job and couldn't find one.  She has finally found some part time work, which is better than nothing.  Hopefully, her situation will finally improve.  
Anyway, last year many of you suggested we sponsor some award in Mark's honor.  An annual 'Mark Ellis Award' at the National for the Best in Show  69 would be ideal.  I was not able to attend the National, but I was sure the subject of such a memorial would be addressed there at the 1969 Group's meeting.  So far, I haven't seen or heard anything here or in the Communique or from any individuals.  
I need to do something.  If there isn't going to be an award, I guess I'll make a donation to CPF and The Ypsilanti Museum, but it won't be the same as having the award in his memory that he deserves.  
Are any of you still interested in doing an award?  
David Robertson